Getting better everyday

Today was the first day of classes. I went to my first class, Nordic Politics, which seems to be very interesting. The teacher is really nice and encourages student participation which is nice because the last thing I want to do is listen to some pretentious academic ramble on for 2 hrs everyday. The class is only 7 people with three from france, 2 from the U.S. 1 from nepal and 1 from sierra leone. I learned today the difference between a parlimentary and a presidential system (good stuff to know). We hit the ground running tomorrow. Best part is that all the reading assignments are real vague. They say to read the introductory article to a series, and read further if we are interested, and then we discuss in class. Its both exciting and nerve racking because most of the articles are online meaning I have to navigate a swedish website.
I am excited because I am actually meeting people. I'm doing my best to be as social as possible, but I am very shy, so it is difficult. I did manage to make a friend. He is from texas, and despite that fact seems like a pretty good guy. Its nice to have someone to talk to...even if he is a texan who thinks that beef barbeque is not only acceptable, which it is not, but that texas is the world capital of barbecue...he's crazy. But I dye grass. This place is slowly growing on me, although if there were more than 20 minutes of daylight a day, I might like it a little better. It snowed a little bit today, but not enough to play in. I'm sure I'll get my snow soon enough.
New thing learned:
Swedes speaking English, particularly the international students woman (maria costa of Sodertorns Hogskola) is positively adorable. I want a little swedish woman plushy.

Swedes still love hairgel...alot...and tight pants...but hairgel more.